Lin is demonstrating the Spirio, Steinway’s newest and first self-playing piano. This machine, patented by Edwin Votey, was capable of punching at around 3,600 perforation rows per minute, giving an accuracy, on this first roll, of 1/60th of a second. Unlike many other reproducing piano systems, the Duo-Art used a real-time perforator to produce an original roll as the artist played. Re-producing rolls are the only other rolls worth a reasonably amount of money, from $3 to $20 or even more if they are rare recordings. The condition of them also plays a part in their value, rough or torn edges makes them pretty worthless unless rare (ie re-producing, etc). While some of the better-known and more value brands like Steck, Chickering and Weber can be exceptions, many Aeolian’s found today are considered middle-tier pianos in quality, tone and value.

How much is a self-playing piano worth?Īs a general rule of thumb, pianos produced by Aeolian in the mid-1900s range in unrestored value.Ingenious working mechanics, opulent workmanship and important provenance make this Steinway Duo-Art Grand Piano a tour de force of automatic musical instruments. The instrument rests upon classical, reeded columns, while the pedal board takes the form of a graceful lyre. Majestic carved elements including sweeping acanthus leaves, reeds and garlands surround all angles, while the hand-painted imagery of musical instruments and charming putti adorn the facade. The entire piano is sumptuously gilded and polychromed in the Neoclassical taste. While the majority of Steinway Duo-Arts were housed in a more traditional and streamlined exterior case, this particular model features an incredibly rare and undoubtedly custom-crafted art case. Initially, Steinway refused, but after much back-and-forth and deliberation, the firm agreed, and the legendary Steinway & Sons Duo-Art Grand Piano was born. Artists such as Percy Grainger, Vladimir Horowitz, Teresa Carreño and numerous others, gladly recorded their music for the Duo-Art.Īeolian realized the importance of implanting their mechanism within only the finest of pianos, and they petitioned Steinway early in the manufacture to partner with them. But the stunning quality of the Duo-Art captivated both classical and popular pianists. Exclusive to Aeolian, this machine could create an estimated 3,600 perforation rows per minute, accurately capturing every element of an artist’s performance on the first try with an accuracy of 1/60th of a second!īecause of the poor sound quality of the phonograph, the biggest pianists of the day shied away from recording and distributing their music using the medium. Unlike competitors, the Duo-Art used a real-time perforator connected directly to a piano to produce an original roll as the artist played. Second, the paper rolls the mechanism “read” were also much more detailed than those of any other player piano. The elements of bass, treble, tempo, accompaniment and theme graduation, as well as adjustments for the motor and roll and motor can all be controlled through manipulation of these switches. Adding to the sound quality is the inclusion of several adjustment switches located behind a panel above the keyboard. First, its pneumatic system is incredibly multifarious, essentially using forced air via a bellows to activate various switches, valves and expression boxes that together, are capable of recreating the most true-to-life sounds and nuances associated only with a live performance. Several factors, however, separate Aeolian’s innovation from all others of the period. Player pianos were nothing new by the time Aeolian introduced their Duo-Art mechanism in March 1914. It is the combined gifts of these renowned companies that resulted in this incredible piano – one of the only Steinway Duo-Art player pianos in this pristine level of preservation and perfect working condition. Aeolian was a trailblazer in automatic musical instruments and sheet music, while Steinway & Sons are one of the most prominent “big four” piano manufacturers in the world. This automatic musical masterpiece is the culmination of an exclusive relationship between two international leaders in their respective fields: The Aeolian Company of New York City, and Steinway & Sons of Manhattan. This particular instrument is further distinguished as having been owned by the “father of the modern super-market” American businessman and founder of Kroger Supermarkets, Barney Henry Kroger. About Immensely rare and mechanically complex, the Duo-Art reproducing grand piano is considered to be the most technologically advanced player piano made in the early 20th century.

Aeolian player piano value